Nationwide
search brings best home cooks to Los Angeles to compete for the "MasterChef" title

Top finalists revealed Wednesday, May 29

Award-winning
chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham
Elliot return for season four of the culinary smash hit "MasterChef" with a two-hour season premiere on Wednesday, May 22
(8 p.m.), on FOX.

More
hopefuls than ever before auditioned at "MasterChef's"
open casting calls in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles,
Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Portland, and San Diego to prove they
have what it takes to make a mark on the culinary world. Only one hopeful will
join season three winner Christine Ha, the first-ever blind contestant; season
two champion Jennifer Behm; and season one winner Whitney Miller in the elite
group of "MasterChef" titleholders.

The
best home cooks in America were flown to Los Angeles to present their signature
dishes to the judges and the chance to compete for the coveted title of "MasterChef," a cookbook deal and the
$250,000 grand prize. This season will feature contestants representing 26
states from all walks of life - including an archaeologist, a high school gym
teacher, a former pro football player, a biochemist, a student, a firefighter,
a paralegal and a delivery driver - all with the hopes of turning their
culinary dreams into reality.

In
order to earn a coveted white apron and move to the next round, the home cooks
must have an immense passion for food and be determined to win. Above all, they
must convince the judges - who will taste for flavor, creativity and
presentation - that they have the potential to out-cook all their rivals.

The
auditions continue Wednesday, May 29 (8 p.m.), as the judges winnow down the
competition by granting white aprons to the best home cooks. Only 40 hopefuls
will move onto the next round and compete in an intense lamb challenge. By the
end of the episode, only the top home cooks who impress the judges will advance
to the "MasterChef" kitchen and
compete to become America's next master chef.